Senior Operations Manager (People & Business Systems)
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
We are entering a structured phase of growth, operational maturity and leadership development. To support this, we are seeking a Senior Operations Manager to take ownership of our internal business systems, administrative function and people processes - ensuring the operational backbone of APS is disciplined, commercially aligned and scalable., Reporting to the Managing Director and working alongside the Group Operations & Development Director, you will:
- Lead the office and business support function
- Own administrative operational performance
- Ensure ERP (SQLWorks) discipline and data integrity
- Protect customer service standards and order accuracy
- Oversee HR and people processes across the full employee lifecycle
- Support margin protection through structured reporting and cost awareness
- Maintain audit readiness across ISO systems
- Implement structure, accountability and process clarity
You will act as the bridge between strategy and day-to-day execution - ensuring internal systems actively support production, customer satisfaction and commercial performance., Operational Governance
- Ensure order processing, scheduling and documentation are accurate and disciplined
- Monitor operational KPIs that affect customer performance (OTIF, quality issues, administrative errors)
- Drive continuous improvement across business systems
- Support production through structured information flow
Commercial Support
- Improve reporting visibility around cost, margin and performance
- Support pricing discipline through data accuracy
- Identify inefficiencies that impact profitability
- Ensure administrative errors do not erode customer confidence or margin
People & HR Leadership
- Manage recruitment, onboarding and performance processes
- Oversee absence management and conduct procedures
- Ensure compliance with UK employment legislation
- Maintain professional HR standards and documentation
- Support leadership capability and accountability
Compliance & Structure
- Maintain ISO 9001, 14001 & 45001 documentation control
- Ensure audit readiness
- Strengthen internal controls
- Professionalise internal communication and documentation standards
Requirements
Do you have experience in Management?, This is a senior leadership role. It requires credibility, commercial awareness and the ability to bring clarity and accountability into a growing manufacturing business., A senior operational leadership role Commercially aware and margin-conscious Customer-focused and service-driven A stabilising influence with gravitas A process and discipline driver A partner to the leadership team, * Has senior operations or business management experience within an SME
- Understands manufacturing or industrial environments
- Is commercially astute and understands margin drivers
- Has strong HR and people management experience
- Brings calm authority and credibility
- Is structured, disciplined and highly organised
- Is comfortable challenging constructively
- Thrives in an owner-led, fast-paced environment
CIPD qualification desirable but not essential if experience is strong., If you are an experienced operator who understands both people and process - and who wants to make a meaningful impact within a growing manufacturing business - we would welcome your application.
Benefits & conditions
APS is investing in leadership, systems and scale. This role will:
- Reduce operational friction
- Protect service standards
- Strengthen internal accountability
- Free senior leadership to focus on strategic growth
You will have genuine influence and autonomy within a growing, ambitious business.
What We Offer:
Package
- Salary depending on experience
- Discretionary performance bonus
- Pension contribution
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Opportunity to shape the operational future of the business
